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Stanford University</a>! That’s exciting stuff, and you’ve made a bold choice. Stanford University revels in the scenic beauty of coastal Northern California and boasts a comfortable 7,000 undergraduate students in an environment that somehow merges an Ivy League like prestige with the progressive excitement of neighboring Silicon Valley. In other words, Stanford is a pretty happening place to be for students of varying interests, and if you’re looking to go here, we’ve got you covered with a survival guide to keep you surviving and thriving!</p>
<figure><img src=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/asset.plexuss.com/news/images/stanford-university-campus.jpg" alt="Stanford University Campus" width="600" height="350" />
<figcaption>Credit: Stanford.edu</figcaption>
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<h3>Admissions </h3>
<p>Stanford has a pretty stellar reputation, so getting in the door can be a tricky process. They only take a freshman class of about 1,700 students each year, and they do a pretty thorough job reviewing each application to find people who are just the right fit for the university. So what are some things you can do to up your chances?</p>
<p>First, review <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"http://facts.stanford.edu/academics/freshmen-class-profile">the credentials</a> of the class that just got in for a very down to earth picture of what kind of crop those that have been accepted are. Most come from the top 10-20% of their high school classes, so make sure to keep your rank and GPA up. Another thing to keep in mind as you’re filling out your application is what it is exactly that guides the university’s review process. In short, they’re looking for signs that indicate Academic Excellence, Intellectual Vitality, and Personal Context. Other than that, they require the usual letters of recommendation, SAT or ACT scores, and a Common Application accompanied by a $90 app fee, best of luck!</p>
<h3>Academics</h3>
<p>Once you’ve gotten into Stanford, then the real grind gets to begin! Stanford is known first and foremost as a prestigious academic institution, that doesn’t mean it has to be all gloom and doom, but if you’re looking to survive here AND make the most of the experience, make sure you’ve come prepared to be academically focused. Need a further incentive, just check out some of its <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://plexuss.com/college/stanford-university/ranking">high rankings</a> across the country!</p>
<p>Specifically, Stanford boasts the second oldest school of education in the country, and its law programs can even claim a few Supreme Court justices as its graduates. Even if you don’t go with one of the more reputable programs, with over 90 fields of study at Stanford, you’re bound to find something.</p>
<figure><img src=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/asset.plexuss.com/news/images/stanford-law-program.jpg" alt="Stanford Law Program" width="600" height="400" />
<figcaption>Credit: law.stanford.edu</figcaption>
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<p>A few keys to your academic survival at Stanford are 1) taking advantage of the 4:1 student to faculty ratio for a chance to really get to know and learn from your professors, 2) diving into <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://undergrad.stanford.edu/programs/introsems">Introductory Seminars</a> for an alternative learning opportunity, and 3) maybe consider doing one of the many <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://undergrad.stanford.edu/programs/bosp">Study Abroad options</a> to add some international flare to your experience.</p>
<h3>Around Campus</h3>
<p>Stanford’s glamour isn’t just restricted to textbooks. And a key component to surviving a transition to college is learning to truly love and appreciate where you’ve landed. This can involve everything from the scenic beauty of campus to the artistic creativity of the community. Here’re a few items related to the former that are bound to help you appreciate the beauty of your new home:</p>
<p>1) <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://visit.stanford.edu/plan/guides/hoover.html">Hoover Tower</a>- a beautiful structure that houses way more than just a clock!</p>
<p>2) White Plaza- the geographical center of student life on campus, also features Claw Fountain!</p>
<p>3) <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://dish.stanford.edu/">The Dish</a>- Exactly as it sounds, a HUGE satellite dish you can hike to and enjoy a great Cali sunset or sunrise!</p>
<figure><img src=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/asset.plexuss.com/news/images/things-to-do-near-stanford-university.jpg" alt="Things to Do Near Stanford University" width="512" height="325" />
<figcaption>Credit: sfgate.com</figcaption>
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<h3>Some Nuts and Bolts</h3>
<p>Odds are if you’re embarking onto the collegiate journey for the first time you’re full of a ton of practical questions that can be tricky to figure out. Here are a few things you may need to keep in mind for some practical advantages at Stanford.</p>
<p>On paper Stanford’s campus is huge, but not all of that is for educational buildings. Walking is very doable, but tons of employees and students bike and the university really esteems <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://transportation.stanford.edu/">sustainable commutes</a>. Communal living is a big value on campus, so first-year students are required to reside on campus. There’s currently eight on-campus dining halls to choose from, and the surrounding area is teeming with great food choices. Finally, not having a car won’t kill you thanks to a pretty <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://transportation.stanford.edu/getting-started/commute-options-new-students">extensive network</a> of alternative transport and shuttle options.</p>
<figure><img src=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/asset.plexuss.com/news/images/stanford-sillicon-valley-transportation.jpg" alt="Stanford Sillicon Valley Transportation" width="550" height="300" />
<figcaption>Credit: stanforddaily.com</figcaption>
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<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Your journey into life and academics at Stanford is sure to be an adventurous one. Don’t get me wrong, there will be ups and downs as in any transition, but the opportunity afforded you here is once in a lifetime. Try to stick to some of the tips we’ve outlined above and you should get along just fine, but, as always, don’t be afraid to branch out and try new things. That’s where the real discovery happens!</p>
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